Taco Soup

This Taco Soup combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning, beef, and beans with a comforting broth that warms you from the inside out. Topped with your favorite garnishes like sour cream and shredded cheese, it’s a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or served at a casual dinner party. The combination of textures from the beef, beans, and corn, along with the depth of flavor from the seasonings, makes every spoonful a delight. Whether you’re making it on the stove or in a slow cooker, this Taco Soup is as simple as it is delicious.

Full Recipe:

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions:

In a large pot, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Add the kidney beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Taco Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Food

Taco Soup is a beloved comfort food that combines the bold flavors of a traditional taco in a warm, hearty soup form. It’s an easy-to-make dish that brings together ground beef, beans, corn, and spices, all simmered into a delicious and savory broth. This dish has become a staple in many homes because it’s not only satisfying but also versatile and quick to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a dish to serve at a gathering, Taco Soup is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to your taste preferences.

What Makes Taco Soup So Special?

Taco Soup offers the rich and savory flavors of tacos in a completely different way. Instead of the familiar taco shell, this soup uses a flavorful broth as the base. The ingredients are reminiscent of a taco filling – seasoned ground beef, beans, and corn – but the soup format provides a unique texture and comfort. The beauty of Taco Soup is in its adaptability. It can be made to suit different dietary preferences or what you have in your pantry. Whether you want to make it spicier, meatless, or more filling, Taco Soup allows for flexibility while maintaining its core flavors.

Taco Soup Ingredients and Variations

Taco Soup is highly customizable, which is one of the reasons it’s so popular. While ground beef is commonly used, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version. The inclusion of beans – kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans – adds fiber and protein to the dish, making it not only filling but also nutritious. Corn adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat of the spices, and diced tomatoes, often paired with green chilies, create a tangy and savory base for the soup.

Moreover, Taco Soup can be spiced according to your preferences. For a milder version, you can skip the chili powder or use a mild taco seasoning mix. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add extra chili powder or even some jalapeños. The soup also lends itself well to various toppings. Common options include shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro. The toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add a fresh contrast to the richness of the soup.

The Health Benefits of Taco Soup

While Taco Soup is often considered a comfort food, it can also be quite healthy when prepared with wholesome ingredients. The beans and lean meats provide a great source of protein and fiber, which help to keep you feeling full longer. Additionally, Taco Soup is high in vitamins and minerals, thanks to ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

Beans, in particular, are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, which support digestion and overall gut health. Depending on the vegetables you add, you can increase the nutritional value of Taco Soup even more. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count, using ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef is a great option. Similarly, you can make the soup lower in sodium by using homemade or low-sodium broth and seasoning the soup with herbs and spices instead of store-bought seasoning mixes that may contain added salt.

How to Make Taco Soup: A Simple Process

One of the main reasons Taco Soup is so popular is because it’s easy to make. The recipe typically requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for busy individuals or families. To start, you simply cook the ground beef (or your choice of protein) with onions, garlic, and taco seasoning. Once the beef is browned, the remaining ingredients are added to the pot, and the soup is simmered for a short time – around 20 to 30 minutes. This makes Taco Soup an ideal dish for those who want something hearty and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

While Taco Soup can be made on the stove, it can also be prepared in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, which makes the process even easier. In the slow cooker, you can add all the ingredients and let the soup cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Alternatively, if you’re in a rush, the Instant Pot allows you to cook Taco Soup in a fraction of the time while still maintaining its deep, rich flavors.

Taco Soup as a Make-Ahead Meal

Taco Soup is the perfect make-ahead meal. Because the soup’s flavors deepen and improve after a day or two, it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping. In fact, Taco Soup tends to taste even better the next day, as the ingredients have had time to meld and develop a richer flavor profile.

If you want to store Taco Soup for even longer, it can be frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat it, simply defrost the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This makes Taco Soup a convenient and flexible option for busy weeks when you need a quick and satisfying meal.

Taco Soup Variations to Try

While the traditional version of Taco Soup is already fantastic, there are numerous variations that you can try depending on your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

Vegetarian Taco Soup: For a meatless version, skip the beef and add extra beans, corn, or even roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also add tofu or tempeh for protein.
Spicy Taco Soup: If you enjoy heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the soup for an extra kick. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to intensify the spice level.
Cheesy Taco Soup: For an extra indulgent twist, stir in shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack into the soup before serving. This will make it extra creamy and comforting.
Low-Carb Taco Soup: If you’re following a low-carb diet, skip the beans and corn, and opt for extra vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini. The result is still delicious and filling but without the extra carbs.
Instant Pot Taco Soup: For a quicker version, prepare Taco Soup in an Instant Pot. Using this method, you can cook the soup in a fraction of the time and still enjoy all of its deep flavors.

Taco Soup Toppings

The toppings are what really make Taco Soup come alive. Here are some great options to add at the end:

Shredded cheese: A generous sprinkle of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you prefer adds creaminess and flavor.
Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt balances the spices and adds a smooth, tangy contrast.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and an herby freshness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Avocado: Sliced avocado or guacamole adds a rich, creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the soup’s flavors.
Tortilla chips: Crushed tortilla chips provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the softness of the soup.

Conclusion

Taco Soup is a versatile, flavorful, and comforting dish that can be easily adapted to fit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty meal to feed the family, or a make-ahead recipe that can be enjoyed over several days, Taco Soup fits the bill. Its flexibility with ingredients and toppings makes it suitable for various tastes, and the simple preparation process ensures that even the busiest cooks can enjoy a satisfying meal. Try out this delicious soup and make it your own by experimenting with different variations – you’ll find that Taco Soup will quickly become a go-to dish in your recipe collection.